Washington, D.C. (November 8, 2012) – Today, the Application Developers Alliance launched its Mobile Payments working group. The group, comprised of Alliance members, will shape Alliance programs, policies, and resources related to payments through mobile devices and in-app payment systems. The group will provide core expertise and guidance to the Alliance and its members through commissioned research, white papers, policy recommendations, and best practices.

“With ever-changing technology, the ability to make and receive payments through a mobile device is becoming the norm, especially for small businesses – allowing them to only grow and further contribute to the economy. Given this important role of mobile payments, we applaud the Application Developers Alliance for developing this working group to ensure future regulation of mobile payments does not impede this growth. Intuit is honored to serve as a Vice Chair on this working group and to offer our experience on how mobile has opened up new opportunities for small businesses, consumers, and developers," said Melissa Netram, Senior Public Policy Manager and Counsel at Intuit.

The group will be chaired by X.commerce, an eBay company that brings together the technology assets and developer communities of eBay, PayPal, GSI Commerce, and Magento. In addition to Vice Chair Intuit, initial members will include: Applico, Tapjoy, DIY Media, and the Open Mobile Alliance. Scott Smedresman, Senior Associate at SorinRand will serve as an advisor.

“There’s an incredible opportunity right now to help drive how consumers, content creators and advertisers embrace and evolve the mobile ecosystem. We are excited to be active members in the Application Developers Alliance, as well as its mobile payments working group, to help define and champion the policies and solutions that will shape the mobile space for years to come,” said Peter Dille, CMO at Tapjoy.

“Payments through mobile devices and in-app payment systems are critical parts of the app economy, and this industry is at a pivotal moment. Alliance working groups are the driving force behind our programs, initiatives, and events, and we look forward to bringing together leaders in the mobile payments field to overcome the challenges the industry faces and to help developers capitalize on new opportunities,” said Jon Potter, Alliance President.

The Alliance launched its working groups focused on Business & Revenue and Emerging Technologies & Research in August. Both groups have held organizational meetings, setting goals and priorities for their work. Additional working groups will be announced in the coming weeks.

About the Application Developers Alliance

The Application Developers Alliance is an industry association dedicated to meeting the unique needs of application developers as creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Alliance members include more than 15,000 individual application developers and dozens of companies, investors, and stakeholders in the apps ecosystem.